Power unit



June 2 1940- s. w. WHITEHURST 2,205,705

YOWER UNIT Original Filed Aug. 27, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet l 61907814? Wkii'izhursi' Jlme 25, 1940. e. w. WHITEHURST POWER UNIT Original Filed Aug. 27, 1935 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 @0 7Bmi Gummy June 25, 1940. s. w. WHITEHURST POWER UNIT Original Filed Aug. 27, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 EOWER UNIT Original Filed Aug. 27, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Eiwii l l I l l d na. l4:

Wm M M fl M H 422 W T s R u H E u H w w a POWER UNIT original Filed Aug. 27, 19:55

7- Sheets-Sheet 5 v 25, 1940. e. w. WHITEHURST POWER UNIT 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Aug. 27, 1955 June 25, 1940. G. w. WHITEHURST 2 POWER UNIT Original Filed Aug. 27, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 KEEP ON KEEP ON l DEAD CENTERXI TANGENT x LAYOUT 2] Wu wrvl'o'v Gene WWkiZ'eharsf Patented June 25, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT orrlcs- George W. Whitehurst, Portsmouth, Va.

Application August 27, 1935, Serial No. 38,126 Renewed November 13, 1939 6 Claims. (Cl. 121-82) This invention relates to a power unit of the rotor type, and has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a unit of the class referred to for producing and delivering power steadily and continuously throughout the cycles of operation thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a power unit including a stationary stator having the major 10 portion of its-inner face upon a pair of oppositely disposed different radii separated and connected by oppositely disposed, opposed, stepped, or irregular portions of said face thereby forming an endless surface, a rotor permanently spaced from the 16 largest radii and continuously traversing the smallest radii, and oppositely disposed, inner facewise opposed, interengaged resiliently coupled pressure impelled vanes bodily shiftable in unison in one or the other direction, bodily carried with and operating the rotor and traversing continuously and oppositely bodily shifted by the said endless surface for producing power continuously at rotor rim speed resulting in an increase in power or output per pound of weight or cubic inch displacement.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a power unit of the rotor type including a stator having the major portion oi its inner face upon a pair 39 of oppositely disposed radii separated and connected by steps or irregular portions of said face to form in connection with the portions of different radii an endless surface, means in connection with said stator providing a rotor chainher having a fluid pressure intake and outlet means arrangedin spaced relation, a rotor permanently spaced from the largest radii and the stepped portions and having minute clearance therebetween and the smallest radii, oppositely w disposed shiftable fluid pressure impelled vanes bodily carried with and operating the rotor, continuously traversing and oppositely shiftable together by the said endless surface, alternately opening and closingthe said intake and outlet means and with the structure as aforesaid, ar-

unit with a rotor, a stator having its inner surface upon two oppositely disposed different radii and stepped or irregular portions separating and connecting the portions of different radii to form an endless surface, the rotor being eccentrically 5. mounted in the casing, permanently spaced from the largest radii and having a minute clearance therebetween and the smallest radii, and oppov sitely disposed, shiftable, interengaged premure impelled vanes carried by the rotor and continl0 uously traversing and oppositely shiftable together in one direction or the other by the said endless surface.

Further objects of the invention. are to provide, I in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a power unit it of the rotor type which is comparatively simple in its construction and arrangement,. strong, durable, compact, flexibility relative to its uses, thoroughly eiiicient in its use, providing for a large volume of power or output, readily assem- :2- i bled, reversible, conveniently controlled and comparatively inexpensive to set up.

With the foregoing and otherobjects which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of a novel combination and arrangement of parts pg as will be hereinafter more specifically described and as are illustrated in the accompanying draw,. ings wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may be resorted to pm which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the 1 power unit, pg

Figure 2 is a section on line 2-2, Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the power unit with one of the stator heads or side plates removed,

Figure 4 is an elevation of the rotor side plate, W

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5, Figure 4!,

Figure -6 is a sectional detail illustrating the form of the intake or exhaust structure, on line t-t, Figure 2,

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view of the form rm of side plate employed for the stator,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the form of oil sealing rings employed,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the spring' member employed in connection with the oil sealing rings,

Figure 10 is an elevation of the body sections of the rotor disassembled,

Figure 11 is an elevation looking towards the inner face of one of the sections of the rotor, w

Figure 12 is an elevation partly broken away, showing the form of vane employed,

Figure 13 is a side edge view of the vane, Figure 14 is a perspective view of'a wearing 5 ring section, I

Figure 15 illustrates in perspective, respectively, a wearing tongue and a wearing tongue spring,

Figure 16 is an elevation .of a modified form of power unit with the side plate removed,

Figure 17 is an elevation, partly in section, of the form of vane structure employed in the construction shown in Figure 16, v

Figure 18 is an elevation of one of the vane elements employed in the modified form shown 15 in Figure 16,

Figure the duplex vane structure, and

Figure 20 is a diagrammatical view wall of the stator. 4

With reference to Figures 1 to 15, the power unit includes a housing, cylinder or stator I, hereinafter termed a stator. The latter is open at each end and also formed at its ends with latof the inner erally disposed endless flanges 2, 3 having spaced oppositely disposed supporting legs, "of angle shaped contour, are integral with the outer face of the bottom of the stator I and are designated 5.

The inner face of the stator I has the major portion thereof upon two oppositely disposed radii. The portion of smallest radii is indicated at 6 and the portion of largest radii at I. The portion 6 is arranged above'the portionl. The portions 6, I are separated by and connected to a pair of oppositely dlsposedstepped or irregular shaped portions 8 The portions 8 extend inwardly from the upper ends of the portion I. The outer face of the stator I conforms in contour to the inner face thereof. The flanges 2, 3 at the ends of the case I conform in contour to the inner and outer faces of stator I.

A pair of oppositely disposed side or head plates of like form are employed for closing the ends of the stator I. These plates are indicated at 9, II), are of like construction and correspond in edge contour to the edge contour of the flanges 2, 3. Each side or head plate comprises an annular outer portion II and an inner circular portion I2 which overlaps, is integral with and extends inwardly from the inner edge I3 of the portion Ii thereby providing a pocket I4. The inner part I2 is formed with a plurality of threaded openings I5, an annular groove I5, an axial opening I1 and an outwardly directed collar I8 having its inner face flush with the edge of the opening I'I. Arranged within the groove I6 is an oil sealing ring l9 against which bears curved forcing springs 20 having end parts extending into sockets 2i formed in collar I8. The outer portion I I is formed with openings 22 registering with the openings 4. Headed holdfast means extend through the openings 22 and threadedly engage with the openings 4 for fixedly securing a side plate to an end flange of stator I. Threadedly engaging with the openings I5 are holdfast means 23 for anchoring the flange 24 at the inner end of an annular holder 25 against the inner portion I2. The holder includes an inner part 26, an outer part 21 and an internal annular flange 28. The flange 24 is at the inner end of part 26 and the latter surrounds the collar 83, as well as extending outwardly therefrom. The flange 28 is integral with the outer end of the inner face of part 26. The part 21 is integral at its inner end with the flange 28 and it is of less diameter than the part 26. The part 27 is peripherally threaded as at 29. Positioned between the flange 23 and the collar I8 is a bearing structure 3U. Positioned between a collar 3| and the flange 28 is a packing 92. The collar 3i is rabbeted as at 33, and bearing against the rabbet is an internally threaded flanged axially 'apertured cap 34, which has threaded engagement with the threads 29 of part 21. Carried by the part 26 of holder 25 is a lubricant connection 35.

Forming a part of the unit is a power-transmitting shaft consisting of a pair of oppositely extending sections 36, 31 which extend inw rdl 19 is a front elevation of a template of a y through plates 9, i and are connected to the rotor. The construction of the rotor and the rnanner in which it is connected to the sections of the power transmitting shaft will be presently referred to. A hearing structure 30, a packing 32, a collar I8 and a collar 3i encompass each shaft section. The inner end 36 of each shaft section is enlarged thereby providing a shoulder 39. The bearing structures 30 abut against the shoulders 39 of the shaft sections.

The stator I in connection with the side plates 9, I9 provides a rotor chamber 40. The rotor generally indicated at 4| comprises a circular body part 42 (Figure 10) formed of a pair of oppositely extending spaced endwise opposed segmental sections 43, 44 of like form. The ends of the sections 43, 44 are arranged relatively to each other to provide a pair of non-aligning passages 45, 46. The ends of the section 43, in proximity to the inner edge of the latter, are formed with transverse slots 41 which open into the passages 45, 46. The ends of the section 44, in proximity to its inner edge, are formed with transverse slots 48 which open into the passages 45, 46. The side faces of the sections 43, 44 are formed with outer grooves 49; with inner grooves 50 and with tapped openings i inwardly adjacent the grooves 50. The grooves 49, 50 open at the ends of sections 43, 44. The grooves 49 are of greater depth than the grooves 50. Opening into the bases of the grooves 49 are spaced sockets 52 formed within the body of sections 43, 44. The side faces of the sections 43, 44 are also formed with sockets 53. Both side faces of each of the rotor sections 43, 44 will be formed in the manner as shown in Figures 10, and 11.

Arranged within the slots 41, 49 are wearing tongues 54 seated against bow-shaped springs 55 (Figures 3 and 15) and the normal tendency of springs 55 is to force the tongues 54 from said grooves. Mounted in the grooves 49 are the split sections 56, 51 (Figures 3 and 14) of a wearing ring, the ring sections corresponding in length to that of the rotor sections and each is provided adjacent one end with a positioning pin 58. Arranged within the sockets 52 are coiled springs 59 (Figure 3) which bear against and normally tend to force the ring sections from grooves 49.

The rotor includes a pair of side coupling plates Bil, iii of like form (Figure 1). Each coupling plate includes a circular body part 62 (Figures 4 and 5) of less diameter than that of the body .part 42 of the rotor. The body part 62 on its inner face has secured thereto a pair of spaced parallel guide members 63, 64 of a length less than that of the diameter thereof. The members 63, 54 are located adjacent to each side of the diametric center of the inner face of said body part 52. Holdfast devices 65 are employed for securing the guide members in position, and

aaoavot said guide members are in the form of angleirons of the desired length. The body part 62 on its inner face is formed with a pair of spaced segmental shaped oppositely disposed stress flanges 66, t'i having their outer sides flush with the outer edge of said body part ti. One end of each of said flanges is flush with and the other end of each flange is spaced from an end of the diametric center of body part ti. That end of a flange which is flush with one end of said diametric center is spaced from that end of the other flange which is spaced from said diametric center. The arranging of the ends of the flanges M, iii in a manner as statedprovide a pair of passages 88, t9, respectively, one arranged adjacent to one end and the other arranged adjacent to the other end of the said diametric center. The body part (62 is formed with a circular row of spaced openings it. The inner face of body part 62 has a group of spaced centering pins ii.

The outer faces of the plates it, ti (Figures 1, 4 and 5) are integral axially thereof with the inner ends of the power shaft sections tit, 31, respectively. The plates iiii, 68 in proximity to the shaft sections are formed with lubricant openings i2.

The plates 60, ti are positioned against opposite sides of the body part 32 of the rotor ii. The centering pins ii are extended into the sockets 5t and the stress flanges tt, til seated in the grooves 50 whereby the edges of plates it, ti are arranged inwardly adjacent the outer edge of the body part it, and the tapped openings 5i brought into registry with the openings iii. Holdfast means it (Figure l) are then extended through the openings it and threadedly engage with the tapped openings 5i so that the plates til, ti and body part M are anchored together and the rotor coupled to the shaft sections it, it for simultaneously driving them. The arrangement of the openings hi, it for the holdfast means 73 is such that when the holdfast means it is driven home, the sections tit, it will be retained in the position (Figure 10) to pro vide the passages 35, it and that the plates ti, ti will be so positioned relative to sections it, it to have the passages 68, t9 register with the passages it, it and with the front and rear of said registering passages closed. The lower portion of the rotor chamber fit is formed into a pressure receiving space of uniform height by the rotor coacting with the portion i of largest radii.

Bodily carried with the rotor iii (Figures 1, 2 and 3) is a reciprocatory driving structure it including a pair of oppositely disposed inner facewise opposed resiliently coupled vane parts i5, it of like form which are extendible through the passages it, it (Figure 10) respectively, and travel between the members t3, til which provide a guide channel ii (Figures 2, 3 and 4). Each vane comprises a rectangular body part it (Figures 12 and 13) formed with a rectangular opening it disposed lengthwise thereof. The opening it extends from a point in close proximity to the inner end edge M to a point beyond and in proximity to the transverse median of' body part it. The opening it forms a clearance for a purpose to be referred to. Between the transverse median and outer end of body part it, the outer lengthwise edges ti of the latter are formed with oppositely disposed pockets 83 of like form lengthwise thereof. Each pocket has its outer end wall at outwardly beveled; its inner end wall t5 concaved; and its base it (Figure 12) formed in proximity to the wall it with a socket ti.

Positioned within the pockets 53 '(Figure 12) are oppositely disposed pressure applying members it oi like form and each consists of a resilient metallic bar formed of a stretch it having an outwardly directed inner end terminal portion in and a stretch iii disposed at right angles to the outer end of stretch lit. The stretches til, ti of the members 88, respectively, oppose the bases of the pockets 83 and extend into the sockets ti. Arranged within the pockets iii are rectangular spring pressed oppositely disposed slidable blocks or tongues 92 constituting sealing means between a vane and the sides of chamber it. The blocks iii are of like form and have rounded inner ends 93 which are also beveled. .The blocks 92 have beveled outer ends iii. The ends 93 are grooved as at 95. The blocks 92 bear against the members 88 and these latter permanently tend to maintain the blocks 92 against the side walls of chamber at. The portions it of members 88 are seated in the rooves t5 and tend to maintain the outer ends of the blocks against the Walls til.

Formed integral with the inner-face of body part it between the inner end wall tit of opening iii and the inner end edge til of said body part is a combined coupling and abutment part it which is flush with the wall 95 and edge 8d. The part 9? is of a length less than the width of body part it and the width of opening it. The part all has its ends spaced equi-distant from the side edges ti of body part it. Extending through the inner end of body part it and also the part ti! is an anchoring member it formed at its ends with the heads 99, int. The member 98 extends from the outer face of body part it and also extends from the coupling part ti. The member 98 is disposed upon the lengthwise median of body part it. The vanes are resiliently coupled together by a pair of coiled springs iii, in. The ends, iiit of the spring iti are to be anchored to the member 98 inwardly adjacent the heads 99 and the ends mi of the spring 1102 are to be anchored to the members 9% inwardly adjacent the heads itii when the structure iii is assembled. The springs iti, i M also function for another purpose to be referred to.

When the driving structure it is set up, the abutment part it? of vane i5 is extended into the opening it of vane it and is positioned against the outer end wall of such opening. The abutment part ti oi vane iii is extended into the opening iii of the vane it and is positioned against the inner end wall of such opening. The springs iiii, it?! are anchored in the position referred to and function to maintain the abutment parts ti against the outer end wall of one opening it and the inner end wall of the other opening it as shown in Figure 2. One of the abutment parts coacts with an end wall of one of the openings it to provide for the vanes being shifted together in one direction and the other abutment part coacts with an end wall of the other opening it to provide for the vanes being shifted together in the opposite direction. The outer ends of the vanes continuously traverse the endless surface on the inner face of the stator and are shifted by such surface. The vanes it, it are successively acted upon by the fluid pressure supplied to the chamher and propelled to travel against the endless tit.

surface on the inner face of stator I and also against the inner faces of the side plates 8, I adjacent the body part of the coupling plates 60, 6|.

The stator I is formed above its horizontal center with a pair oi. spaced parallel vertically disposed extensions I05, I06 disposed between the flanges 2, 3. The extensions I05, I06 are of like form and the description of one will apply to the other. With reference to Figures 2, 3 and 6, each of the said extensions is formed centrally of its top with an annular recess I01 and adjacent said recess with tapped openings Ii08. Leading from the recess I01 and opening into the upper portion of chamber 40 is a set of ports indicated at I09, H0 and Ill. The port I08 is disposed centrally of the extension and is vertical. The ports IIO, III are oppositely outwardly inclined with respect to the port I109. The ports of the extension I constitute an intake to chamber 40 for fluid pressure and the ports of the extension I06 constitute an outlet for chamber 40.

Leading to the extension I05 is a fluid pressure intake pipe II2 which has its lower end II3 arranged in recess I01 of extension I05. The pipe II2 adjacent its lower end is provided with an apertured flange I I4 which seats on the top of extension I05. The upper end'of pipe I I2 opens into and is integral with a casing II5. Leading from the extension I06 is a discharge pipe II6 having its lower end II1 seated in the recess I01 of the extension I06. The pipe II6 adjacent its lower end is provided with an apertured flange H8 which seats upon the top of extension I06. The flanges H0 and H8 are secured to the extensions I05, I06 in a manner as shown in Figure 6 by the holdfast means H9. The pipe II6 is integral at its upper end with the casing M5 and also opens into the latter. The casing H5 has a fluid pressure supply intake I adapted to communicate with the source of supply, such, by way of example, would be steam. An exhaust or discharge outlet is indicated at In and which extends from and is an integral part of a revoluble controlling valve I22 of the tapered plug type. The outlet I2I communicates through valve I22 with the.

pipe H6. The valve I22 has a port I23 for communication with the pipe H2 and a port I24 for communication with the pipe H6. The port I24 opens into the discharge outlet I2I. The casing I I5 provides a chamber I25 for the valve I22. The

means I28 of a length greater than the diameter 7 of easing H5. The casing H5 (Figure 3) at its edge I22 is formed with spaced stops M2. to provide for the handle means I28 being arrested at the desired point to cause the ports I23 and I24, respectively, to be properly positioned for supply and exhaust with respect to the pipes I i2 and] I6. The handle means I28 is fixedly secured to part I26 of valve I22, as at I28 The outlet I2l is provided by a peripherally threaded nipple I29 forming an integral extended part at the smallest end of the valve E22. Carried by the nipple I29 is an interiorly threaded flanged collar I30 engaging with the threads of the nipple I29 and pressing against the smallest end of chamber I25 for maintaining a snug sliding fit between valve I22 and the wall I21 of chamber I25. The collar I30 is bodily carried with valve I22 and provides for the adjusting of the latter relative to wall I21 to form a snug fit.

Although Figures 1, 2, 3 of the drawings illustrate the extension I05 to provide an intake means for the fluid pressure and the extension I08 an outlet for chamber 40, yet it is to be understoodthat the extension I06 may be employed as an intake and extension I05 as an outlet. The inner ends of the ports of the extensions I05, I06 open at the stepped portion 8 of the inner face of the stator I. The ports are main ports and open into the chamber 40 at the desired distance from the point of mergence of the steps 8 with the part 6 of smallest radii that there full capacity .15 had.

The ports I09, H0 and III are termed main ports and each may have associated therewith one or more relief or auxiliary ports which extend from the mainports and open into chamber 40 at the steps 8. In Figure 3 the relief or auxiliary ports are indicated at III. The ports Iii are always open close to the part 6 of smallest radii. The ports iii would not be used when the adaptation of the invention is had with respect to internal combustion engines, air compressors, air motors or vacuum pumps, but they would be used in steam and all fluid handling units. A unit requiring relief ports and not having them would act the same way as a regular piston pump or engine would if its ports were closed too soon causing back pressure or hamering, as all of its capacity could not be expelled. The main ports may be as far out on the steps 8 as the vane will permit without opposite main ports being uncovered at the same time by the vane in the lower part of the stator.

The outer ends of the vanes are chambered or oppositely beveled as at I30 The steps 8 on the inner face of stator I are never diametrically opposite. The steps 8 on the inner face of stator require a definite procedure in their development,

and as stated are never diametrically opposite, even though the vanes are diametrically opposite and both vanes move in and out simultaneously.

Both vanes must be considered in the development of the steps 8. The point of contact between the vanes and the steps is not the center line of the vanes, but is always above or closer to the part of smallest radii than the dead center of the latter. This is due to the fact that the vanes contact, slightly in from their side facesthe steps 8 and this is due by the beveled or chambered outer end of the vanes, If the vane were of one piece construction, from step to step the contact points on the steps would not be diametrically opposite, unless the vanes were beveled sharply on both sides and brought to a knife edge on their center line, whereby the greater the thickness of the vanes causes the contact point on the steps to be closer to the part of smallest radii than the dead center of the part of smallest radii. The fact that the vanes are face to face makes a still greater distance between these centers as is substantiated with reference to the inner face I80 of stator I as shown in Figure 20 and the application of the vane template I30 shown in Figure 19.

The following explanation with reference to the template I30 and the inner face I30 of stator I will make clear the matter set forth by the preceding paragraph. First establish a 2" radius as designated L. Second establish a 2 lid tid

accuses radius as designated M. Third established a 2%" radius as designated N, and the latter provides equal divisions between L and. M. Fourth establish line 0 and which may be located at any point. Fifth establish line P by drawing a line where line 0 and radius N intersects to radius L. Sixth establish an elliptically developed curved line Q by using template i3d of'a pair of vanes having a total length equal to the distance from small radius L to large radius M, cross center, hold the contact point B designated Keep on tangent on line P at the point where line P meets small radius L. Keep center line S, designated Keep on dead center of template ltd on dead center of small radius L and spot in on opposite side at point T, designated Spot in for curved part of template i311, move end on line P about oneeighth of an inch down from first point and keep center line of template ltd" on dead center and spot in again, repeat this operation until a spot intersects radius N. From spot intersecting radius N draw line U .to radius L and in a manner, as stated heretofore establish elliptically curved line V by spotting in from line '0', then fair both curved parts out over spots and draw line W from the spot intersecting on radius N across dead center. Where lines 0 and W intersect on radius L establish arcs X, Y, then draw line Z across dead center to where are X, Y, intersect for true center.

From the foregoing it may be readily seen that there is a true working center of the vanes where they contact steps d, that is above or nearer the small radius 6 than the dead center of radius d.

Referring to Figures 16, 1'7 and 18, a modified form of power unit of the rotor type is illustrated and which is of the same form as that shown by Figural, with this exception, that a pair of oppositely disposed rotor driving structures iti, it? are employed in lieu of one. The driving structure till is of the same construction as the rotor driving structure ill and includes a pair of oppositely disposed resiliently coupled interengaged vanes ltd, ltd of the same form and arrangement as the vanes it, it. The rotor driving structure it? consist of a pair of oppositely disposed vanes its, ltd of like form and which have intermediate portions of reducedwidth slidably extending through the openings it?! in the vanes ltd, iild. The vane its or the vane ltd includes a body part ltd formed with a rectangular opening ltd and a like cutout Hit in each outer lengthwise edge thereof to provide the shoulders Mi, Hi2 and the intermediate portions of reduced width. The body parts iild of the vanes I135. 936 have their inner faces formed with combined coupling and abutment parts M3 which extend into the openings its. The parts i ld are arranged relative to the-openings 039 in the same manner as the abutment parts @i of vanes l5, it are arranged relative to openings id in vanes it, it. The parts M3 function in a manner similar to that of parts 9?. Thebody part lid of the vane ids or the vane ltd is provided with a pair of spaced parallel anchoring members Md which extend through the part Mil of the vane. Each member MM is of the same form and arranged as that of a member 98 (Figures 12 and 14. The heads of each member Hi l are indicated at M5. M6. The vanes B35, 36 are resiliently coupled together by two pairs of springs. The springs of one pair "are indicated at ill and those of the other pair at it. The ends of the springs idl are anchored to the members Mi l inwardly adjacent the heads Md. The

:driving structure Edi.

ends of the springs or the other pair are chored to the members Md inwardly adjacent the heads ildt. The springs ldl function in the same manner as the springs iili, ltd. Otherwise than that as stated the vanes idb, ltd will be con structed in the same manner as-the vanes id, it, its, ltd. As the rotor driving unit tilt shown in Figure 16 is provided with four vanes, the rotor Mid will be formed of four spaced sections ltd, itl, ltd and ltd between which the vane elements reciprocate. The sections of rotor ids will be formed in the same manner as the sections of the rotor lit (shown in Figures ill and 11). The rotor use will include side plates corresponding to plates or members dd, di (Figures 4 and 5), but which will be so formed and arranged as to provide for the guiding and to permit of the reciprocation of the four vanes or the Otherwise than that as stated, the form of the rotor driving unit iili shown in Figure 16 will be the same as that shown in Figure 1.

lid

The stator may be of any diameter, thickness or length desired, constructed with the greatest part of interior circumference to two difierent radii, the smallest radii 6 being oppositely dis-=- posed with respect to the largest radii l. The remaining part of the interior circerence oi? the stator is formed of a pair of tangent portions and a pair or irregularly curved portions. The tangent portions begin in a point on the portion of smallest radii determined by the number oil vanes which are employed. The irregular pertions continue from the ending of the tangent portions to intersect with the portion of largest radii l. The stepped portions 8 referred to are formed from thetangent and irregularly curved portions. The portion of largest radii '21 has its ends merge into the irregular curved Portions, and the tangent portions merge into the ends or the portions of smallest radii. The propor tion of the inner face of the stator may be deter mined as follows: After the diameter or the rotor is decided, take half the diameter of the rotor for the thickness of the rotor and the thickness of the stator. The rotor should be about .004 of an inch thinner than the stator. Allow one-eighth oi an inch for each inch of the diameter oi the rotor and add it to the rotor radius and this gives the largest radius. The tangent and curved portions are determined by the number of vanes desired or used. Any of the designs or units asshown will operate as a power unit. compressor, vacuum p, water pump, fuel or oil pump, gas or oil burner, but proper designing will determine the degree oi emciency delivered. There should be, however, about .004 of an inch clearance between the rotor and the portion of smallest radii. The stator i encloses the rotor.

The unit includes a stator of uniform thickness with'inlet and outlet ports and having a major part of its inner surface upon two oppositely disposed radii and two stepped or irregular surfaces connecting the two radii into one continuous surface. The starting point or where the steps leave the smallest radii to where they end or intersect the largest radii constitutes a fulcrum point or cylinder head. The largest radii between the step intersections constitutes the outer cylinder wall. The smallest radii conforms (Kid Gilt

Will

lid

est radii, they will be in position to perform work.

'I'he'difierence between the radii may vary according to speed, volume or pressure desired. The location or beginning and ending of steps must be opposite and of like structure as per tangent and elliptic curved portion developed by the vanes when positive outward movement of the vanes is desired in connection with the use of abutment blocks 91. The inner face of the stator should be so constructed that the vanes make a complete revolution without altering their relative positions and move in and out at exactly the same time and together. The construction of the unit is such that it will start from any position with full load, with no dead center.

The power unit may be used as a water engine or fluid pump, hereinafter referred to as a motor or pump, and it provides for a motor having large capacity in small space; that can be rotated in either direction with equal power; that will start in any position with full load; that can be operated at high or low speed; with ports placed in line of centrifugal force; so designed that fluids enter and leave unit with about as little friction and change of course as possible; and using fluids or water in a hydraulic way, as in piston type, and also the turbine principle of speed. It also provides for a pump having a large capacity in small space; that can be rotated in either direction with equal output; delivering a steady flow; that needs no check valves; that keeps fluids moving as steadily as a centrifugal pump; that has a suction lift greater than a piston pump because none of the load lifted or started, slides back as is the case in piston strokes, and one with much greater output than a piston pump on same power input.

The power unit may be used as an air motor that has great power in small space; that will start from any position under full load; that can be built extremely light but very powerful; that can be reversed or run in either direction with equal power; that can be run at high or low speeds; that will operate more efliciently than an electric motor in driving individual machines, as it can be reversed and run at any desired speeds as required by operator and stalling would cause no damage; that has more flexibility than an electric motor; that has more power per pound of weight than an electric motor; that would cost less per power to manufacture; that would cost less than an electric motor to operate; that would cost less than an electric motor to install; that would eliminate hazards, such as fires from overheating, overloading, blown fuses, burned wires and contacts; which has a low upkeep; and one suitable for portable grinders, drills, sanders, etc.

The power unit may be used as an air or gas compressor having large capacity in small space;

' that can be rotated in either direction with equal compressor; moving from to more volume than a piston type compressor on same power input; with more capacity per bulk cubic inch displacement than a piston type; that can be used as a super-charger; that could be jacketed and superheat mixtures delivered; and one that can have spring tension on vanes so adjusted to deliver pressure up to desired point and 1 slip by vanes (as is accomplished in a bypass) and will not stall. It also provides for a vacuum pump evacuating practically 100%; with a steady suction; exhausting practically 100%; that requires no checks (unless vacuum is to be maintained); that will evacuate 100% more emciently than a piston type and a vacuumpump or compressor fitted with a control valve (as on engine) made to change intake and output in alternate directions or stop flow at will by shifting control valve while compressor is in full operation.

The vanes have their inner ends extend in past the center of the shaft, and their inner ends may be reduced or increased in weight to eflect a counterbalance as desired, andthereby make the load on stator inner wall produced by centrifugal force of the vanes, heavy or light as desired.

What I claim is:

1. In a power unit, a revoluble power transmitting rotor a reciprocatory pressure propelled two-part driving structure for and slidably carried by the rotor, each of said parts extending through the other part in proximity to the inner end of the latter, and means encompassing the rotor acting on the outer end of each of said parts for reciprocating said structure during" the revolving of the rotor.

2. In a power unit; a revoluble power transmitting rotor, a reciprocatory pressure propelled two-part driving structure for and slidably carried by the rotor, each of said parts extending through and abutting the other part in proximity to the inner end of the latter, means encompassing the rotor acting on the outer ends of said parts for reciprocating said structure during the revolving of the rotor, said parts being resiliently connected by tensioning springs and disposed in oiTset relation and said rotor being provided therein with ofiset guides for said parts.

3. In a power unit, a revoluble power transmitting rotor, a reciprocatory pressure propelled two-part driving structure for and slidably carried by the rotor, each of said parts extending through the other part in proximity to the inner end of the latter, and means encompassingv the rotor acting on the outer ends of each of said parts for reciprocating said structure during the revolving of the rotor, said parts being disposed in offset relation, said rotor being formed with a pair of non-aligned passages for said parts.

4. The invention as set forth in claim I having the two parts of said structure formed of a pair of oppositely disposed flat, rectangular, apertured, interengaged, inner facewise opposed and inwardly abutting vanes, said vanes being resiliently coupled together in inwardly abutting relation.

5. In a power unit a rotor including a plurality of segment-shaped sections arranged in endwise opposed relation forming non-aligned passages, each of said sections having both faces formed with inner and outer grooves, said outer grooves for receiving wear compensating means, coupling plates secured to both faces-of said sections for maintaining them in spaced relation and provided with stress lugs extending into said inner grooves, and a pressure operated operating structure for said rotor reciprocating through said passages.

6. In a power unit, a stator providing a rotor chamber having an endless wall formed of two diiIerent radii connected together by oppositely disposed steps, a revoluble power transmitting rotor operating in said chamber, a reciprocatory pressure propelled two part driving structure for and slidabiy carried by the rotor and for permanent contact with said wall, each of said parts extending through the other in proximity to their inner ends, the said difierent radii and steps of said wall forming a uniform diametrical distance throughout the inner circumference of the stator where said parts contact said wall, and said parts having coacting interen'gageable means for keeping them in positive and permanent contact with said wall at diametrically opposite points of the latter during revolving of the rotor.

GEORGE W. 

